VA Stock Risers: Defenders from 2025 and 2026
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Jonathan Newton Jonathan Newton State VA HEIGHT 6'0" WEIGHT 229 POS LB CLASS 2025 Jonathan Newton Jonathan Newton State VA School: Stone Bridge A sideline to sideline linebacker Stone Bridge’s Jonathan Newton Jonathan Newton State VA does not error defensively…
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Continue ReadingJonathan Newton Jonathan Newton State VA
Jonathan Newton Jonathan Newton State VA
A sideline to sideline linebacker Stone Bridge’s Jonathan Newton Jonathan Newton State VA does not error defensively for the Bulldogs. Earning first team all region selections as a junior Newton racked up 105 total tackles (80 solo), 4 sacks and 10 TFLS. Absurd numbers all around but when you watch his tape the stats are not a misprint he is everywhere on the field. He packs a punch with each bone crunching tackle that if a an opposing guy on offense does not lower their shoulders he is going to hurt them. Standing at 6’0 230 lbs. of pure muscle, Newton is one of the fastest linebackers in the state, he should start garnering FCS level offers soon. Junior day visits are lining up for Newton he has a 3.3 GPA to go along with his outstanding play.
Ryan Baek
Ryan Baek
I have gone on and one about the Lake Braddock Bruins offense but enough of that it is time to talk about their defense. Ryan Baek along the defensive line is a nice piece next to all state tackle Trent Pane Trent Pane 6’1″ | 250 lbs | DL Lake Braddock Secondary | 2025 State VA , Baek has good speed off the edge which should provide a nice pass rush for the Bruins in 2024. Playing a lot of varsity action as a sophomore Baek really came along well for Coach Dougherty’s defense, his production could double this year.
It has to be mentioned that Gar-Field was perhaps one play away from making the district playoffs last fall and they return nearly every starter on both sides of the ball. The man leading the charge in the secondary is safety Tyson Woods Tyson Woods 5’11” | 165 lbs | DB Saint Mikes | 2025 VA . I have written about him before but it must be stated the young man can play multiple positions at the next level, he just needs the right opportunity. The Red Wolves have a real chance to be conference favorites this fall and the progression of star talents like this young man are vital:
A five tool player for the Red Wolves Woods can cover, tackle and make game changing plays for whomever turns out to be their next head coach. He racked up 44 solo tackles this past fall with 1 interception, helping him earn honorable mention all region honors in a very deep conference. Woods has the range and the speed to play at the next level, whomever lands this coaching job has a number of key pieces including him to work with. Tyson Woods Tyson Woods 5’11” | 165 lbs | DB Saint Mikes | 2025 VA HUDL
Highlights
Walker Littleton
Walker Littleton
Said it before and I’ll say it again Robinson all world safety Walker Littleton wins games, he quite literally notched the Rams their first victory in 2023, read my write up below:
The events of the first few games were not to kind to the Robinson Rams, who came into their showdown with West Potomac winless at 0-4. Behind a staunch defense with numerous Ram defenders stepping up, Robinson would pull off the upset and grab their first win of the year 7-3. One of it not the biggest play of the game came late in the fourth quarter by all-conference safety Walker Littleton. With the Wolverines marching late in the final quarter, Littleton came off his defender to track down the interception inside the goal line. If the play had stood it would of been a 104 yard interception return, but it was called back for an illegal block in the back. Nonetheless the turnover stood up and Littelton was able to secure his team’s first win of the year. For a sophomore to step into a moment like that is impressive, but the way this kid has been grinding, I expect more big plays to come.Walker Littleton HUDL
Chase Loftis Chase Loftis 6’0″ | 205 lbs | LB Loudoun Valley | 2025 State VA is a speed merchant off the edge for the Vikings and he is great in coverage and against the run too. The reigning all region linebacker, Loftis has been a terror for the past two seasons for Loudoun Valley and he is drawing the interest of many major institutions. Leading the Vikings in tackles as a junior, the young man is attracting the likes of William & Mary, James Madison and Wagner with one FCS extending an offer to him soon. Running a sub 4.9 40 Loftis looks even faster than that on tape, when the Vikings have him rush off the edge he is virtually unblock able. Recognized as one of the top linebackers in Ashburn, my prediction is that after his senior year is complete he will be one of the top ranked backers in the state.
Chase Loftis Chase Loftis 6’0″ | 205 lbs | LB Loudoun Valley | 2025 State VA HUDL